A school visit is the single best way to find out what a school is really like, but only if you go in prepared. A glossy brochure or a polite conversation at the gate will not tell you much. The right questions to ask on a school visit will show you how teachers teach, how children are looked after and how the school talks to parents when something goes wrong.
Below are 15 questions, grouped by theme, that Lagos parents can take along on a notebook or phone. Use them at any school you are considering. Listen to the answers, but also watch the children, the corridors and the way staff speak to pupils while you walk around.
Questions to ask on a school visit about teaching
Start with the classroom, because that is where your child will spend most of the day. Good answers here are specific. Vague answers such as “our teachers are very dedicated” should prompt a follow-up.
Ask to see real exercise books and displays of pupils’ work, not only the best examples. Notice whether marked work carries helpful comments or just ticks. A school that explains how it helps children improve will usually have thought carefully about teaching.
- 1. How many children are in each class, and is there a maximum?
- 2. Which curriculum do you follow, and how do you decide what to teach in each term?
- 3. How do teachers find out which children are ahead or struggling, and what happens next?
- 4. How do you support teachers to keep improving, for example through training?
- 5. How is technology used in lessons, and do pupils get hands-on practice in laboratories or computer rooms?
Questions about safety and welfare
Safety is not only about gates and guards. It is also about supervision, discipline and how the school responds when a child is unhappy. Ask to see where children arrive, leave and play, and notice whether adults are visible and attentive.
Pay attention to the toilets, the play area and the pick-up point as well. Clean, orderly spaces and calm, courteous staff are often a better guide to welfare than any written policy. If a school is relaxed about you looking around, that is a good sign.
- 6. Who is allowed to collect a child, and how do you check?
- 7. How are children supervised during break, on the field and on the school bus?
- 8. What is your approach to discipline, and how do you handle bullying?
- 9. What happens if a child falls sick or is injured during the day?
- 10. How do you look after children who are shy, anxious or new to the school?
Questions about communication and fees
A school and a family work best as partners, so you want to know how information flows both ways. Money is part of that conversation too. A confident school will be happy to explain its fees clearly and will not make you feel awkward for asking.
It also helps to ask for examples. “Can you tell me about a time you contacted a parent about a problem?” gives you a more honest picture than “Do you communicate well?”. Notice whether the person you are speaking to answers directly and without defensiveness.
- 11. How will I hear about my child’s progress, and how often?
- 12. If I have a concern, who do I speak to first and how quickly can I expect a reply?
- 13. How can parents get involved, for example in meetings or school events?
- 14. What exactly do the fees cover, and what costs are extra?
- 15. Is there a payment plan if I cannot pay everything at once?
Booking your Palmville visit
We would be glad to answer all 15 questions in person. Palmville Schools is at 41/441 Road, 4th Avenue, Federal Housing Estate (Gowon Estate), Ipaja, Lagos. Primary hours run from 7:30am to 3:00pm (Fridays 1:00pm) and college hours from 7:45am to 3:30pm (Fridays 1:30pm), so you can plan your visit around a normal school day.
To arrange a time, use our contact page or call +234 913 446 0000. If you can, bring your child. How they respond to the building and the people in it often tells you more than any checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a school visit take?
Allow at least an hour so you can see classrooms, facilities and play areas, and still have time to talk to a member of staff without rushing.
Should I take my child on the visit?
Usually yes. Their reaction to the classrooms and to the staff is useful information, and a familiar visit makes the first day easier.
What should I look out for besides the answers?
Watch how adults speak to children, whether pupils look engaged and how orderly and clean the school feels. These small signs reflect daily life.
Write down the answers before you leave, because schools start to blur together after two or three visits. Compare notes with your partner and trust the school where the answers were clear, the children looked settled and your questions were welcomed. If that school is Palmville, we look forward to meeting your family; you can also read more on our frequently asked questions page before you come.